The following is a list of the highest-grossing opening weekend movies. Recent films top the list due to continually increasing production and marketing expenditures and modern films released on more screens.
Another concern is that inflation isn’t taken into consideration. Additionally, the greatness of a film can be judged by several criteria.
Was it well-received by critics? During award season, have you won any gilded statues? In general, the quantity of money made by the film is a good unit of measurement.
According to Box Office Mojo data by IMDb Pro, here are the top opening weekend box office winners.
Based on this information, releasing a sequel in a series is most likely to have a huge opening weekend.
Only eight of the 50 films on this list were standalone or the first installments in a franchise.
None of the eight are original screenplays; instead, they are based on literary or illustrated characters.
Is there a favorite of yours on the list of highest-grossing opening weekend movies?
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The Avengers: Endgame movie brought in nearly $357,115,007 million on opening weekend in 2019. In Marvel Studios’ dramatic conclusion to twenty-two films.
In “Avengers: Endgame,” Thanos’ catastrophic course of events, which killed off half the universe and fragmented the Avengers ranks, drives the remaining Avengers to take one final stand.
Furthermore, Endgame is the sequel to Avengers: Infinity War. Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark / Iron Man; Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers / Captain America.
Chris Hemsworth plays Thor. Mark Ruffalo plays Hulk. Josh Brolin plays Thanos. Scarlett Johansson plays Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow. Jeremy Renner plays Clint Barton.
2. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Spider-man: No Way Home is one of the highest-grossing opening weekend movies of all time, with $260,138,569 on opening weekend.
The domestic opening weekend box office performance of Spider-Man: No Way Home reveals that it was possibly the most anticipated film of 2021.
The film has already made $1 billion at the worldwide box office. No Way Home was likely to connect with fans thanks to the return of some fan-favorite villains from past Spider-Man films, including Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus and Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin.
Spider-Man aids this success is one of the most popular superheroes of all time, and Tom Holland’s portrayal of the character has received widespread praise.
It stars Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Jamie Foxx, Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina, Benedict Wong, and Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man.
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
This franchise has proven to be an enduring popular favorite, holding the No. 1 and No. 3 slots on the list.
However, cramming several superheroes into a single picture is a proven way to make much money.
Avengers: Infinity War brought in $257,698,183 million on opening weekend. In “Avengers: Infinity War,” the Avengers must work together to prevent Thanos from bringing the world to an end.
Additionally, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, and more are among the ensemble cast members in the picture.
4. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is one of the highest-grossing opening weekend movies of all time.
This picture grossed $247,966,675 million in its first weekend, thanks to the return of Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker from the original three “Star Wars” films.
While the Resistance fights the First Order’s forces, the search for Jedi icon Luke Skywalker continues.
The winning formulas of good vs. evil and old versus new propelled this film to a record-breaking opening weekend. The cast includes Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Peter Mayhew.
5. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
The Star Wars tale continues as new heroes and galactic icons embark on an epic journey to uncover Force secrets and horrifying historical truths.
It also grossed $220,009,584 on opening weekend. “The Last Jedi” is also expected to make more than $1.3 billion in total international gross earnings. They had the force on their side.
6. Jurassic World (2015)
The sixth-place finish for the highest-grossing opening weekend of all time may surprise you.
After two critically panned sequels, this fourth episode in the Jurassic Park trilogy surpassed $208,806,270 million in its opening weekend, outperforming any other film in the franchise.
Furthermore, the old format was reintroduced in this film, as a dinosaur theme park proves to be more of a liability than its worth: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, and Nick Robinson feature.
7. The Avengers (2012)
The first film in the Marvel franchise, which dominated box office sales, depicts the narrative of a group of superheroes banding together to stop Loki, the wicked god, from enslaving the Earth.
Additionally, it grossed $207,438,708 on opening weekend. The Avengers, played by Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeremy Renner, are among the film’s ensemble cast members.
8. Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther is one of the highest-grossed opening weekend movies of all time. T’Challa must balance his new kingship and destiny as the superhero Blank Panther. In addition, this movie shattered record after record.
It was the highest-grossing solo superhero film of all time, with $202,003,951 on opening weekend.
The movie was directed by an African-American and with a predominantly African-American cast. Wakanda will always be Wakanda!
T’Challa / Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and others.
9. The Lion King (2019)
It follows the story of a young lion prince who flees his kingdom after his father is murdered, only to learn the true meaning of duty and bravery. On the opening weekend, it grossed $191,770,759.
Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, and John Oliver are voice stars.
10. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The Age of Ultron is the second time fans have seen this combination of superheroes. It is one of three Avengers films to break the top 10 on this list of the highest-grossing weekend movies of all time.
Furthermore, Tony Stark designs the Ultron Program to keep the world at peace, but it goes haywire, and the Avengers must band together again to save humanity.
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, and others star in the movie.
11. Incredibles 2 (2018)
The longest gap between an original film and its sequel on this list is between “Incredibles 2” and “The Incredibles.” The incredible 2 grossed $182,687,905 on the first weekend.
No love was lost during those 13 years since the sequel opened even better than the first. “Incredibles” isn’t even in the top 50.
Furthermore, in the sequel, Mr. Incredible takes on home duties while Elastigirl departs on a mission to save the world.
Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, and Samuel L. Jackson return from the first film. While Huckleberry Milner, Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener, and Jonathan Banks join the ensemble as newcomers.
12. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Captain America: Civil War is one of the highest-grossing weekend movies of all time, with $179,139,142 on opening weekend.
All your favorite Marvel Universe superheroes from the Avengers franchise appear in “Captain America: Civil War.”
However, they do not work together like in other flicks. The plot follows a team split due to government intervention.
Chris Evans features Steve Rogers / Captain America alongside an ensemble cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, and Don Cheadle.
13. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
New legends will be born in the thrilling climax to the historic Skywalker saga, and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
The top cast includes Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, Lupita Nyong’o, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd.
14. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Beauty and the Beast is among the highest-grossing weekend movies of all time, with $174,750,616 on opening weekend.
“Beauty and the Beast” also stars Emma Watson (Harry Potter) as the bookish Belle. Who is kidnapped and befriended by a prince-turned-beast who must break a witch’s enchantment?
It stars Emma Watson and Dan Stevens as the titular Belle and the Beast, as well as Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, and others in an ensemble and choir cast.
15. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Despite being the first “Iron Man” picture not directed by Jon Favreau, It had the three films’ biggest opening weekend gross ($174,144,585).
Furthermore, the Mandarin, a terrorist, puts Tony Stark to the ultimate test in this edition. It also stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stéphanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Jon Favreau, and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man.
16. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Next on our list of highest-grossing weekend movies of all time is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
The final installment of the “Harry Potter” film series depicts the final confrontation between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort as a massive battle that consumes Hogwarts.
“Furthermore, the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” praised by critics and fans alike, brought in a whopping $1.3 billion in worldwide cumulative gross receipts, bringing the iconic franchise to a satisfying conclusion. And also $169,189,427 On opening weekend.
17. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
“Batman v Superman” is about a battle between good and… better. This movie has the largest opening weekend share of all the films on this list, with more than half the total income coming in the first weekend.
Critics trashed it, but that didn’t stop audiences from flocking to theaters to see it. Additionally, Zack Snyder directed the film, which Christopher Nolan produced.
Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, newcomers Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, and Jeremy Irons.
18. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Dark Knight Rises is also among the highest-grossed opening weekend movies ever.
Furthermore, “The Dark Knight Rises” is the third and final episode of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.
“The Dark Knight Rises” was a significant hit when it debuted at $160,887,295 Million, which is understandable given that it combined Bane and Catwoman into one film.
19. The Dark Knight (2008)
When the Joker unleashes mayhem and turmoil on the citizens of Gotham, Batman is forced to face one of the most difficult psychological and physical tests of his abilities to battle injustice.
Gabriela Curnen, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Christian Bale are among the actors in the film.
20. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is the second installment in the “Hunger Games” franchise, and it was considered the “freshest” of all the films by both fans and reviewers.
Furthermore, Katniss and Peeta are followed on their “winning” propaganda tour through Panem’s Districts, where they become targets of the Capitol.
Additionally, the films grossed $865 million worldwide, propelling Jennifer Lawrence to super-stardom.
It also grossed $158,074,286 on its first weekend. The cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen, Jena Malone, and Amanda Plummer.
21. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Last on our list of the highest-grossing weekend movies of all time is Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It also grossed $155,081,681 on its first weekend.
“Rogue One,” a rogue film in its own right, deviates from the “Star Wars” template while remaining true to the mythos.
In addition, the galaxy’s fate hangs in the balance as unlikely heroes set out to steal the Death Star’s secret designs.
However, “Rogue One” may be a one-off compared to the other “Star Wars” movies, but they all had one thing in common: a massive opening weekend.
